Method and apparatus for making a cigarette package construction or the like



y 8, 1968 w. c. WHITAKER 3,385,176

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A CIGARETTE PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION OR THE LIKE Filed May 51, 1966 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

BY W94 *7m 4' HIS ATTORNYS WILLIAM c. WHITAKER May 28, 1968 w. c. WHITAKER 3,385,176

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A CIGARETTE PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION OR THE LIKE Filed May 31, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

' WILLIAM C. WHITAKER BY rfilmv May 28, 1968 w c. WHITAKER v 3,385,176

METHCD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A CIGARETTE PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION OR THE LIKE Filed May 51, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

' WILLIAM C. WHITAKER J BY 2%.,4, w

HIS ATTORN Y5 United States Patent METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A CIGARETTE PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION OR THE LIKE William C. Whitaker, Chester-field County, Va., assignor to Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, Va., a corporation of Delaware Filed May 31, 1966, Ser. No. 553,732 Claims. (Cl. 9312) This invention pertains to container means and more particularly to an improved apparatus and method for making container means from a blank of material or the like.

Container means such as cigarette packages in current use today are often formed from a flat blank of material comprising a plurality of layers such as aluminum-containing foil or the like and/or paper and having an ex:- posed surface or layer of a plastic material which is heatsealable. An apparatus and method have been previously proposed for forming such cigarette packages by heat sealing the overlapping edges of such blank together. The apparatus and method in current use do not provide an optimum bond during the heat sealing process. Furthermore, such currently used apparatus must be precisely adjusted to compensate for local defects or manufacturing irregularities encountered in such apparatus and variations in performance encountered through normal use, in order to assure a cigarette package construction having the desired quality.

Accordingly, it is a feature of this invention to provide an improved apparatus of simple construction capable of providing an improved bond between overlapped heat-sealed end portions of a blank used to form a cigarette package or the like.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus which is economical to construct and simple to operate and readily adaptable to be used with currently available equipment to provide a package construction having improved structural characteristics.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus having means capable of compensating for local defects in associated components and for wear in such associated components to thereby continuously provide packages of improved quality and structural characteristics.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved method of making cigarette packages or the like having improved structural characteristics.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved method of making such improved packages by modifying currently used techniques to thereby provide an improved construction.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved apparatus for making container means from a blank of material or the like having one or more of the novel features of this invention as set forth above or hereinafter shown or described.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved method for making such improved container means or the like.

Other objects, uses, and advantages of this invention are apparent from a reading of this description which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view illustrating the improved container means of this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic end view of the improved apparatus of this invention used to make cigarette packages.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged perspective view with parts in section and parts broken away illustrating the principal operating components of the improved apparatus of this invention and particularly showing details of interim holding means comprising such apparatus.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary schematic end view basically showing the apparatus of FIGURE 3 in reduced scale at the initial stages of forming a package construction.

FIGURES 6-12 are schematic end views illustrating the sequence used to form the improved cigarette package construction of this example of the invention and particularly illustrating the action and relative positions of the various moving components.

While the various features of this invention are hereinafter illustrated and described as being particularly adaptable for forming container means such as a package for cigarettes, or the like, it is to be understood that the various features of this invention can be utilized singly or in any combination thereof to provide container means for other purposes as desired.

Therefore, this invention is not to be limited to only the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, because the drawings are merely utilized to illustrate one of the wide variety of uses of this invention.

The improved exemplary container means of this invention is illustrated as a cigarette package 20 in FIGURE 1 of the drawings. Package 20 is formed from a generally rectangular blank 21 preferably having a layer of aluminum-containing metallic foil 22 defining its outside surface and an inside surface made of a plastic material which is heat-sealable material and indicated by the numeral 23. Blank 21 is suitably folded so that opposed end portions thereof indicated by the numerals 24 and 25 are placed in overlapping relation. The overlapped end portions 24 and 25 are heat sealed together to provide an improved bond using the improved apparatus and method of this invention, as will be described in detail subsequently, to initially form a tubular structure having open ends. After inserting cigarettes within such open end structure using conventional equipment such open ends are folded, closed and sealed in a known manner to define end walls each designated by the numeral 26 and shown in the drawings as the top and bottom wall of the improved package 20 of this example.

Blank 21 may be made of any suitable foldable material having an exposed surface or layer made of a plastic heat-scalable material. In this example of the invention plastic layer 23 forms the inside surface of the improved package 20. Blank 21 may have any number of layers using materials such as metallic foil, paper, plastic and the like provided one outside surface of blank 21 is made of a heat-scalable material. The heat-scalable material comprising one outside surface of blank 21 need not cover such entire outside surface and may be provided in pattern form. The use of heat-scalable plastic material not only makes possible the improved package construction of this invention but also provides a substantially moisture-proof barrier assuring the cigarettes within package 20 maintain their freshness.

The improved apparatus and method of this invention employs unique interim holding means and improved clamping means to provide package 20 having improved structural strength and to provide an optimum seal further assuring that cigarettes carried therewithin are kept fresh over extended periods of time and such apparatus and method of this invention will now be described in detail by first referring to FIGURE 2 of the drawings.

The improved apparatus 28 of this invention comprises an indexing device such as a wheel-like structure or wheel designated generally by the numeral 30 which is 1'0- tatable about an axis shown at 29 which extends normal to the plane of the drawing. Wheel 30, in this example, has a plurality of twelve stations arranged about its periphery in a clock-like manner and each having means adapted to enable forming of package 20.

An arbor 32 of generally rectangular outline is fixed in position at each station about the periphery of wheel 30, and a movable U-shaped folding device 33 is supported on wheel 30 at each station for rotation therewith while being adapted to move toward and away from an associated arbor 32. The dimensional configuration of each U-shaped folding device 33 is closely controlled and corresponds to an arbor 32 associated therewith to enable forming of blank 21 thereabout as will be described later.

Wheel 30 is rotated in a clockwise manner in indexing steps and at a position which will be referred to as the three oclock station, a rectangular blank 21 is inserted between a cooperating arbor 32 and folding device 33, see FIGURE 2. Each rectangular arbor 32 has four walls or sides designated respectively by the numerals 34, 35, 36, and 37 about which blank 21 is folded to define a tubular structure having open ends. Side 37 is illustrated as the top side or wall in the drawingsFIGURE 3.

Blank 21 is inserted between arbor 32 and folding device 33 at the three oclock station so that it extends radially inwardly toward the center of wheel structure 30 a predetermined amount and thus define the position along top wall 37 that end portions 24 and 25 of blank 21 will be brought in overlapping relation. Having thus inserted blank 21, the folding device 33 is moved or urged toward fixed arbor 32 thereby bending blank 21 therebetween around three sides 34, 35, and 36 of rectangular arbor 32. The terminal end portions of blank 21 are folded in overlapping relation at the four oclock position and heat sealed together using the improved apparatus of this invention.

Arbor 32 and folding device 33 are maintained in such urged together position until the wheel 30 is indexed to what is illustrated as the twelve oclock position in the drawings at which position the completed package 20 with cigarettes sealed therein is ejected.

This invention provides an improved apparatus and method for folding the remainder of blank 21 not previously simultaneously folded around walls 34-36 around the top side or fourth side 37 of arbor 32. The folding action takes place at the four oclock position and will be better understood by first referring to FIGURES 3 and 4 of the drawings showing the principal components in enlarged perspective view and then referring to the sequential operating steps taking place at the four oclock position and illustrated in FIGURES through 12.

As the U-shaped folding device 33 engages blank 21 and folds it around sides 34, 35, and 36 of arbor 32, end portion 24 projects above the top edge of side 34 and hence above top 37 of arbor 32. In a similar manner the end portion of blank 21 having portion 25 adjoining its terminal edge extends beyond the top edge of wall 36 a sufiicient amount to overlap end portion 24 adjacent the corner defined by sides 34 and 37 once blank 21 is finally folded in position about arbor 32.

With folding device 33 in its fully extended position, folding means provided to fold the terminal end portions of blank 21 in position against top side 37 of arbor 32 are actuated. Such folding means comprises an elongated folding bar 40 having a surface 41 which is arranged to cooperate with wall 34 and a surface 42 arranged at right angles thereto and for cooperation with top wall 37 of arbor 32. It will be seen especially in FIGURES 6-8 that folding bar 40 engages blank 21 and positions end portion 24 against top side 37 of arbor 32 as seen at the four oclock position.

Simultaneously with folding of end portion 24 in position, action is commenced to fold the remainder of blank 21 and end portion 25 thereagainst in o er ppi g relat on.

The folding action for the remainder of blank 21 is accomplished by a folding member indicated generally by the numeral 44.

Folding member 44 includes heat sealing means such as a heating head 45 as an integral part thereof. Heating head 45 has a heat shoe 46 with a surface 47 which engages the outside surface of end portion 25 to heat seal end portions 24 and 25 together. As will be seen in FIGURES 6-10 of the drawings the terminal end portion of head 45 engages the portion of blank 21 adjoining end portion 25 and folds it in position.

With folding member 44 in its fully extended position, heat shoe 46 is aligned against overlapped end portions 24 and 25 and is in its heating position and such end portions are heat sealed together.

Interim holding means, indicated at 50, is provided to hold the end portions 24 and 25 of blank 21 in overlapped aligned relation for a short time interval required to heat seal such end portions together, remove folding means 44 and hence heat shoe 46, and clamp such over lapped, and now heat-sealed, end portions firmly together. Clamping means such as a clamping bar 52 is provided to accomplish the clamping action.

Once clamping bar 52 is brought into clamping engagement, interim holding means 50 is released and moved out of position enabling wheel-like device to continue through its indexing cycle. Holding device 50 is retracted and moved back in position as another partially folded blank 21 reaches the four oclock position. It will be appreciated that the action of interim holding device 50 is closely coordinated with the action of folding members 40 and 44 and clamping bar 52.

The U-shaped folding device 33 in this example of the invention is extended into folding position by actuating means or an actuator 53 having a telescoping rod end 54 which is suitablyattached to folding device 33. A bracket 55 supports actuator 53 to wheel 30 in a fixed manner. Each arbor 32 is, of course, fixed about the periphery of wheel 30 at spaced apart intervals as previously mentioned. Aftereach blank 21 is inserted between a cooperating arbor 32 and U-shaped device 33, actuator 53 is actuated and such blank is folded around the three sides 34-36 of arbor 32.

Folding bar 40 used to fold end portion 24 in position is also provided at the four oclock position. Bar 40 is extended by an actuator 56 having a telescoping rod end 57 which is suitably fastened to bar 40. Actuator 56 is supported independently of wheel 30. Thus, as the package construction is indexed to the four oclock position, actuator 56 is actuated to fold end portion 24 in position against top wall 37 of arbor 32.

With end portion 24 positioned against top surface 37, end portion 25 is placed in overlapping relation thereagainst by using folding means or device 44. The heat shoe 46 at the terminal end of folding device 44 is brought into engagement with blank 21 adjacent end portion 25 to provide the folding action. Folding device 44 with its heat shoe 46 carried at the terminal end thereof is actuated by actuating means such as an actuator 60 having a telescoping rod 61 extending therefrom and leaf spring means 62 suitably fastened at the terminal end of rod 61. The heating device 45 is fixed to the end of springlike construction 62 of folding means 44 in any suitable manner as by bolting. The spring construction 62 assures that heat shoe 46 is properly aligned in position and is yieldably held against top surface 37 of arbor 32, once rod end 61 is extended outwardly to fold end portion 25 in overlapping relation against end portion 24. Heating surface 47 of heat shoe 46 upon being held in heating engagement against end portion 25 transmits heat therethrough and causes end portions 24 and 25 to heat seal together.

Actuator 60 is supported independently of wheel structure 30 opposite the four oclock position. Actuator 60 is energized in a sequential predetermined manner as each blank 21 is first folded by folding device 33 and indexed to the four oclock position.

It will be seen from the drawings that heating surface 47 of heat shoe 46 is comparatively wide and of sufiicient width to cover practically the entire overlapped area between end portions 24 and 25. It has been found that an improved higher strength seal can be provided between the overlapped portions 24 and 25 if such overlapped portions can be heat sealed and firmly clamped together over a comparatively large, practically entire, adjoining surface area.

The improved apparatus of this invention utilizes interim holding device 50 as previously mentioned, to hold end portions 24 and 25 in overlapped relation during removal of heat shoe 46 from its heating position. The holding device or temporary holder 50 is supported independently of the rotating wheel at the four oclock position and cooperates with folding means 44 and folding bar to overlap end portions 24 and 25 in position.

Temporary holder comprises a lever-like structure which is pivoted about a fixed axis defined by a pin 66 supported generally outside the periphery of wheel 30. Structure 65 has a holding arm 67 extending in one direction from pivot pin 66 and includes a transverse bar 67A adapted to engage blank 21 adjacent end portion 25 practically along its full length. Structure 65 has another arm 70 extending in the opposite direction from pin 66 and having a surface 70A arranged generally parallel to surface 67A. Surface 70A is engaged by a rotatable cam 71 to move arm 67 and its transverse bar 67A in and out of engagement with blank 21.

Cam 71 is supported on a rotatable shaft 72 and is keyed thereto using a key 73. Shaft 72 is supported for rotation on a mount 74 therefor and is rotated in any suitable manner preferably using an electric motor, or the like.

Moving means is provided for moving arm 67 into holding engagement against blank 21 adjacent end portion 25 and such means comprises cam 71 previously described and spring means or spring 75. The action of spring 75 and cam 71 will be better understood by referring particularly to FIGURES 3 and 4.

Spring 75 is constructed and arranged to cooperate with cam 71 to apply a holding force of substantially constant magnitude. Spring 75 has a coiled portion 75A at its base which assures a substantially constant force being exerted at its outer end as such spring is flexed. Coiled portion 75A is fixed to a support 76 therefor which is in turn fixed to shaft 72. The action of the spring is to exert a force of constant magnitude against holding arm 67. However, such holding arm is prevented by cam 71 from moving inwardly within the periphery of wheel 30 and into engagement with blank 21 except during the interim holding time period.

The action of cam 71 will be readily understood by referring to FIGURES 8-12. Cam 71 has an outer configuration indicated generally by the numeral 77 and such configuration is such that it engages portion 70A of arm 70 to pivot lever assembly 65 about pin 66. This pivoting action of course moves arm 67 toward and away from blank 21 at the four oclock position. It is seen, therefore, that cam 71 constantly overrides constant force spring 75 at all times except during the interim holding time when such spring is allowed to exert its controlled force.

The holding arm 67 is assured of being in constant force engagement with blank 21 because cam surface 77 has a constant radius arc portion 77A which holds such arm in position as desired during the interim holding time. Basically then it is merely necessary to rotate shaft 72 in timed sequence with movement of wheel 30 into and out of the four oclock position to achieve the desired interim holding action.

Of course, shaft 72 is also rotated in cooperation with the action of the other folding and sealing components actuated at the four oclock position.

Upon folding of end portion 24 of blank 21 inwardly and with heat shoe 46 engaging end portion 25 and holding such end portion in overlapped heat sealing rel-ation against end portion 24, cam 71 is rotated allowing arm 67 to come into its holding position as shown in FIGURES 9-11.

With holding arm 67 thus actuated in holding engagement, heat shoe 46 is removed followed immediately by bringing clamping bar 52 into clamping engagement. This removal assures that a comparatively wide area of overlapped end portions 24 and 25 can be clamped together. Clamping bar 52 has a large clamping surface 80 which extends practically over the full area previously covered by heating surface 47 of heat shoe 46. Thus, the clamping action is over the maximum possible clamping surface and results in an improved bond between overlapped end portions 24 and 25.

Clamping bar 52 is actuated into clamping position by an actuator 81 having a telescoping rod 82 extending therefrom and clamping bar 52 is fixed to the terminal end of rod 82. Actuator cylinder 81 is suitably supported on wheel structure 30 by a bracket assembly 83 in a fixed manner. Once clamping bar 52 is actuated into clamping position and held thereagainst interim holding arm 67 is withdrawn and wheel 30 is indexed clockwise to continue the operation.

Only two components associated with the folding and heat sealing of blank 21 are carried on wheel 30 namely, folding device 33 and clamping device 52. The remainder of the folding and heat-sealing structure comprising the folding bar 40, folding and heat-sealing assembly 44, and temporary holder 50 are all supported independently of wheel structure 30 adjacent the four oclock position.

As will be apparent from FIGURES 2 and 3 of the drawings, clamping bar 52 has a resilient end portion or tip designated by the numeral 85-. The clamping surface 80 defines the outside blank engaging portion of tip 85. Resilient tip 85 is deformable and will conform with the adjoining outside surface of arbor 32, for example, its top surface 37. It will be appreciated that through wear and in the process of repetitive manufacture of cigarette packages 20 that top surface 37 of arbor 32 adjoining heat shoe 46 may become slightly warped, or slightly deformed. By providing a resilient portion 85 on clamping bar 52 the terminal end portions 24 and 25 are held in more positive overlapping relation to thereby provide an improved bond therebetween.

It will be seen from FIGURES 7 and 8 of the drawings that the normal retracted position of clamping bar 52 is such that as the blank 21 is folded across top surface 37 of arbor 32 it is temporarily halted in its folding travel by the arrangement of the clamping bar 52. The temporary engagement of end portion 25 against clamp ing bar 52 assures that clamping bar 40 is fully actuated to place end portion 24 in its folded position allowing portion 25 to be overlapped thereagainst. Also, the tendency of the long flap portion of blank 21 is to curl slightly due to residual heat of heat shoe 46. The placement of clamping bar 52 as illustrated in the drawings assures that there is a tendency to straighten out such long flap portion of blank 21 so that it folds. completely across top surface 37 of arbor 32 to provide an optimum overlap.

The action of temporary holder 50 also assures that the long flap portion of blank 21 (Le. flap portion adjoining end portion 25) is fully extended across top surface 37 and in overlapping relation in a desired aligned manner over end portion 24.

It will be seen from FIGURE 2 of the drawings that as the container means with its heat-sealed end portions moves away from the four oclock position clamping bar 52 is held firmly in position against overlapped end portions 24 and 25 as previously mentioned. The clamping action is maintained until the twelve oclock position when the completed package is ejected and further assures that as the heat-sealed end portions 24 and 25 cool an optimum bond is provided.

To help provide more effective cooling of the heatsealed end portions, clamping bar 52 may employ separate means for circulating cooling fluid, or the like, to carry away the heat. The surface area of clamping bar 52 is generally sufficient to transfer enough heat to the surrounding air as wheel moves to the twelve oclock position. However, it may be desirable to provide extended heat transfer surfaces as an integral part of bar 52 to provide even better cooling without the provision of a separate cooling fluid for circulation therethrough.

Folding devices 33, 40, and 44 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment of this invention are actuated by actuators 53, 56, and 60 respectively; and clamping bar 52 is actuated by actuator 81. It is, of course, to be understood that the illustrated configurations and constructions of such actuators do not necessarily depict the actual appearance of the actuators which may be used in a particular application of this invention. For example, mechanical actuators such as suitable cam means driven by cooperating prime mover means may be used instead of any one or more of the various actuators 53, 56, 60, and 81. Furthermore, such various actuators may utilize mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical energy or any combination thereof to accomplish the actuating function.

The sequence of actuation of actuators 53, 56, 60, and of cam 71 is achieved in a sequential and controlled manner so that each respective actuator moves its associated component into position at the proper time in the operating cycle.

Terms such as top, bottom, sides, certain references to clock positions, and the like, have been used in this disclosure for ease of description and are not to be considered as limiting the scope of this invention in any way.

Thus, it is seen that an improved apparatus and method have been provided for making improved heat-sealed container means by providing an optimum bond between overlapped heat-sealed end portions of such. container cans. In addition, the inherent function of the improved apparatus of this invention assures that local defects in the heat sealing components caused due .to misalignment of cooperating parts are compensated for to assure that a bond of improved strength is provided in a practically foolproof manner.

While the form of the invention now preferred has been disclosed as required by statute, other forms may be used, all coming within the scope of the claimed subject matter which follows.

What is claimed is:

:1. Apparatus for forming container means from a blank comprising, folding means for folding opposed end portions of said blank in overlapping relation, said folding means including heating means for heat sealing said end portions together by heating a predetermined area thereof upon being brought into a heating position, interim holding means for holding said end portions in overlapped relation during removal of said heating means from said heating position, and clamping means engaging said entire area and holding said end portions clamped together to provide an improved bond therebetween, said interim holding means cooperating with said heating means and said clamping means to hold said end portions in overlapped relation during the interim time required to physically remove said heating means and bring said clamping means in clamping position.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said heating means has heated contacting means defining said area and is brought into said heating position by being brought into contact with one of said end portions.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said clamping means has resilient clamping surface means enabling better clamping action.

'4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising, arbor means, said folding means comprises means folding said blank around said arbor means to place said end portions in overlapping relation against support surface means of said arbor means, and said clamping means has resilient clamping surface means, whereby upon folding said end portions against said support surface means and clamping said clamping means thereagainst said resilient clamping surface means compensates for any imperfection in said support surface means to assure firm clampin action over said entire area.

'5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said interim holding means is normally kept in a stationary posi tion and includes moving means for moving said interim holding means into holding engagement against said blank adjacent the outer one of said end portions during said interim time and then retracting thereof after said clamping means engages said end portions.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 in which said interim holding means comprises a holding arm and said moving means includes means controlling the holding force exerted thereby.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 6 in which said means con-trolling the holding force exerted by said moving means comprises spring means exerting substantially a constant force under all operating conditions.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising; an indexing device having arbor means carried thereon of generally rectangular sectional outline and having four supporting surfaces; said folding means comprises, an elongated roughly U-shaped device carried on said indexing device and movable relative to said arbor means and cooperating therewith to simultaneously fold said blank around three of said four supporting surfaces; and fold ing means supported independently of said index-ing device to fold the remainder of said blank so that said end portions are overlapped against said fourth surface; said interim holding means is supported in a stationary position independently of said indexing device, and said clamping means is carried on said indexing device and is movable relative to said arbor means, whereby upon folding said end portions against said fourth surface and clamping said clamping means thereagainst, said clamping means firmly urges said end portions together and against said fourth supporting surface and holds said end portions together through subsequent indexing of said indexing device allowing suflicient cooling time to provide an improved bond between said end portions.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8 in which said interim holding means comprises, a holding arm, mechanical linkage means operatively connected to said arm, urging means continuously urging said holding arm toward its holding position, and overriding means overriding said urging means and normally holding said arm retracted while releasing said arm during said interim time thus enabling immediate holding action under controlled force conditions upon actuation of said overriding means.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 in which said urging means comprises spring means providing a substantially constant holding force upon releasing said overriding means, and said overriding means comprises eccentric cam means.

11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 in which said clamping means has resilient clamping surface means which compensates for any imperfection in said fourth support surface to assure firm clamping action over said entire area.

12. An improved method of forming container means from a blank comprising the steps of, providing folding means including heating means, folding opposed end portions of said blank in overlapping relation with said folding means, moving said heating means into a heating position against said end portions and heat sealing said end portions together therewith by heating a predetermined area thereof, providing interim holding means,

holding said end portions in overlapped relation with said interim holding means during removal of said heating means from said heating position, providing clamping means, and engaging said entire area with said clamping means to thereby hold said end portions clamped together to provide an improved bond therebetween, said interim holding means cooperating with said heating means and said clamping means to hold said end portions in overlapped relation during the interim time required to physically remove said heating means and bring said clamping means in clamping position.

13. The method as set forth in claim 12 in which said heating means has heated contacting means as an integral part thereof and said step of moving said heating means comprises moving said heated contacting means against one of said overlapped end portions to heat said predetermined area.

14. The method as set forth in claim 12 in which said step of providing clamping means comprises providing clamping means having resilient clamping surface means enabling better clamping action.

15. The method as set forth in claim 12 comprising the further step of providing arbor means having support surface means, said folding step comprises folding said blank around said arbor means to place said end portions in overlapping relation against said support surface means, and said step of providing clamping means comprises providing clamping means having resilient clamping surface means, whereby upon folding said end portions against said support surface means and clamping said clamping means thereagainst said resilient clamping surface means compensates for any imperfection in said support surface means to assure firm clamping action over said entire area.

16. The method as set forth in claim 12 in which said step of providing interim holding means comprises providing said interim holding means having moving means therefor, and moving and interim holding means into holding engagement against said blank adjacent the outer one of said end portions during said interim time using said moving means and then retracting said interim holding means after said clamping means engages said end portions, said interim holding means being supported in a stationary position.

17. The method as set forth in claim 16 in which said step of providing interim holding means further comprises the steps of, providing a holding arm as an integral part of said interim holding means, and providing spring means and cam means as an integral part of said moving means, whereby said cam means continuously overrides said spring means except during said interim time.

13. The method as set forth in claim 17 in which said step of providing cam means comprises providing rotatable cam means having a constant radius portion providing sufiicient holding dwell time to enable said heating means to be retracted and said clamping means to be brought into clamping engagement prior to retraction of said holding means.

19. The method as set forth in claim 12 including the further steps of; providing an indexing device having arbor means carried thereon, said arbor means being of generally rectangular sectional outline and having four supporting surfaces; said step of providing folding means further comprises, providing an elongated roughly U- shaped device carried on said indexing device. and providing folding means supported independently of said indexing device; and said folding step comprises folding said blank around three of said four supporting surfaces in a simultaneous manner with said U-shaped device, and then folding the remainder of said blank using said folding means supported independently of said indexing device so that said end portions are arranged in overlapped relation against said fourth surface; said step of providing interim holding means comprises supporting said interim holding means independently of said indexing device; and said step of providing clamping means comprises supporting said clamping means on said indexing device for movement therewith and relative to said arbor means; whereby after said interim holding step and clamping engagement of said end portions against said fourth surface with said clamping means, said folding means supported independently of said indexing device and said interim holding means are retracted away from said indexing device, and with said clamping means clamping said entire area through subsequent indexing of said indexing device sufficient cooling time is allowed to provide an improved bond between said end portions.

21). The method as set forth in claim 19 in which said step of providing clamping means comprises providing clamping means having resilient clamping surface means which compensates for any imperfections in said fourth support surface to assure firm clamping action over said entire area.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,466,341 4/1949 Vergobbi 93-12 XR 2,603,925 7/1952 Moore 53-192 XR 3,029,572 4/1962 Jackson et al. 53-192 XR BERNARD STICKNEY, Primary Examiner. 

1. APPARATUS FOR FORMING CONTAINER MEANS FROM A BLANK COMPRISING, FOLDING MEANS FOR FOLDING OPPOSED END PORTIONS OF SAID BLANK IN OVERLAPPING RELATION, SAID FOLDING MEANS INCLUDING HEATING MEANS FOR HEAT SEALING SAID END PORTIONS TOGETHER BY HEATING A PREDETERMINED AREA THEREOF UPON BEING BROUGHT INTO A HEATING POSITION, INTERIM HOLDING MEANS FOR HOLDING SAID END PORTIONS IN OVERLAPPED RELATION DURING REMOVAL OF SAID HEATING MEANS FROM SAID HEATING POSITION, AND CLAMPING MEANS ENGAGING SAID ENTIRE AREA AND HOLDING SAID END PORTIONS CLAMPED TOGETHER TO PROVIDE AN IMPROVED BOND THEREBETWEEN, SAID INTERIM HOLDING MEANS COOPERATING WITH SAID HEATING MEANS AND SAID CLAMPING MEANS TO HOLD SAID END PORTIONS IN OVERLAPPED RELATION DURING THE INTERIM TIME REQUIRED TO PHYSICALLY REMOVE SAID HEATING MEANS AND BRING SAID CLAMPING MEANS IN CLAMPING POSITION. 